Abramovich backs Ancelotti, hires Black Eyed Peas for party

Roman Abramovich watches Chelsea and/or listens to the Black Eyed Peas.
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is going to have a massive New Year's Eve extravaganza at his $90 million 70-acre St. Barts estate that will include the Black Eyed Peas as entertainment (or something) for his hundreds of guests. But while his party planners busy themselves with that, he's been attending to the growing list of concerns at Chelsea.
According to the Telegraph's Jason Burt, the Chelsea board had a chat after Arsenal finally managed to beat them on Monday and everything that came out of those talks sounds like good news for Carlo Ancelotti:

[T]he Russian billionaire insisted that he not only wanted Ancelotti to carry on but accepted that he needed to support him in the transfer market and, it is understood, also acknowledged that mistakes had been made in the manner of the sacking of Ray Wilkins as assistant manager.

Of course, a club owner backing his embattled manager can be just as much a sign of blind-sided sacking as an affirmation of trust. But the acknowledgements that Chelsea need to stop waving as transfer windows drift by and that the Ray Wilkins debacle wasn't handled correctly can only be seen as positives. 
We'll have to wait and see if these words translate into January actions. In the meantime, the party's at Roman's and Vladimir Putin's buying bodyshots for everybody. Woooooooooooooo!

Cesc Fabregas a 'target for Real Madrid', as Arsenal face new speculation

The 23-year-old began his career as a trainee at Barcelona and has long been linked with a move back to the Nou Camp.

Cesc Fabregas is a Real Madrid transfer target (PA)

It has now emerged that Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho may have set his sights on Fabregas.
Spanish newspaper Marca has claimed Madrid are determined to beat their bitter rivals to the World Cup winner's signature and are planning a £35 million summer bid.
That may put them in pole position to land Fabregas, as Barcelona are known to have financial problems and recently strengthened their attacking midfield options by signing Ibrahim Afellay from PSV Eindhoven in a cut-price deal.

It is not clear whether boyhood Barca fan Fabregas would agree to join Real Madrid, although he is more likely to be a first-team regular at the Santiago Bernabeu than the Nou Camp.
The renewed speculation about the Spain international's future is sure to anger Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, who rejected a bid for the player from Barcelona last summer.
Fabregas is under contract at The Emirates until 2015, but became unsettled after the approach from Barca and only agreed to stay following crunch talks with Wenger.

Milan offer Ronaldinho at a bargain £7m in bid to attract Chelsea and Manchester City

Ronaldinho is being offered around England for £7million in the hope of sparking interest from the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool.
The AC Milan star is wanted by clutch of Brazilian clubs - including Flamengo, Palmeiras and hometown side Gremio - but none has shown willingness to meet the asking price.
Ronaldinho is out of contract at the end of the season and Milan do not want him to walk out for nothing just three years after arriving from Barcelona for almost £15m.

Warm weather training: Milan players (left-right) Mario Yepes, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Antonio Cassano, and Ronaldinho enjoy the sun in Dubai

Outnumbered: Ronaldinho looks to get the better of Antonio Cassano (right) during a practice game in Dubai today

The LA Galaxy would love to team the 30-year-old up with David Beckham in an MLS line-up that would evoke memories of the star-studded New York Cosmos, but clubs in England, Italy and Spain have all be invited to enter the bidding when the January transfer window opens.
Ronaldinho’s brother and agent Roberto de Assis has indicated there is concrete interest from Barclays Premier League clubs and said: ‘There are many Brazilian clubs interested in Ronaldinho, but I won’t rule out a European move. It seems clear his time with the Rossoneri is at an end.’
Reports in France say Paris Saint-Germain would be prepared to pay the £7m and £140,000 a week wages to re-sign a player they brought to Europe from Gremio almost a decade ago.

Moving on? Ronaldinho (top) with Milan team-mate Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Al Mamzar Beach Park in Dubai

Despite showing signs of a return to form early in the season, Milan coach Massimo Allegri has not given him a Serie A start since mid-October and can justify the snub by their position at the top of the table.
Liverpool were linked with a move for the two-time FIFA World Player of the Year earlier this month, though Anfield boss Roy Hodgson insisted he had ‘never even thought’ about making a move.
Manchester City made a move for him back in 2008 when they were looking for a commercially attractive impact signing, but are likely to now turn their nose up at a player who has been marginalised at the San Siro because of the rise of Robinho - a player who flopped so spectacularly at Eastlands.
Milan may also struggle to tempt Chelsea. Roman Abramovich has previously been prepared to fund a move for a player he so admired at the peak of his Barcelona days, but is unlikely to see little value in a player demanding more than £100,000 a week.
Also, Stamford Bridge boss Carlo Ancelotti was not a fan of Ronaldinho when the coach led AC Milan before moving to England. Keeping the playmaker out of the Rossoneri starting XI led to friction with money man Silvio Berlusconi, but the Milan president has finally sanctioned the sale of his showpiece signing.
Manchester United tried to sign him in 2003 but a move now would be a retrograde step for the table-toppers.
Despite claims of interest, few others could afford Ronaldinho’s wages, and, in any case, whether he would be prepared to play for anyone but a Champions League side is questionable.
Gremio insist they are still in driving seat to clinch his signing and will use sponsorship deals to pay his wages, and the Porto Alegre side are confident Ronaldinho will sit out the last six months of his current contract and join them on a free in the summer if Milan don't drop their demands.

Chelsea '90 per cent' certain to land Real Madrid star Kaka as Brazilian eyes Carlo Ancelotti reunion

Kaka is '90 per cent' certain to join Chelsea if he cannot revive his Real Madrid career - according to a close ally of Bernabeu president Florentino Perez.
Inter Milan have been strongly linked with a move for the Brazil playmaker following the appointment of his compatriot Leonardo as Rafa Benitez’s replacement.
However, Italian super agent Ernesto Bronzetti insists that Stamford Bridge is the only likely destination for a player who has long been admired by Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich.

Real deal: Chelsea are in pole position to sign Real Madrid playmaker Kaka

The Blues' own spending power has been questioned, but Bronzetti insists Inter are in an even weaker position to fork out for the 28-year-old.

'Kaka will not join Inter - I am sure of it,' said Bronzetti, who has done business with Madrid money man Perez for 10 years. ‘Inter will not make these types of investments. Kaka cost €70m (£56million) and now they won't demand under €50m (£43m).’

Bronzetti would be surprised if Kaka went anywhere at all given the effort that Perez put in to make him his first signing - from AC Milan - after being re-elected as president back in June 2009.

Better together: Ancelotti got the best out of the Brazilian during their successful spell at AC Milan

But the one-time World Player of the Year, close to a return after knee surgery in the summer, could struggle to get into Jose Mourinho’s side after the arrival of Mesut Ozil from Werder Bremen.

‘I am the only Italian to know Florentino Perez very well,’ said the agent. ‘We are bound by a 10-year friendship. I talked with him a few days ago.

‘Florentino is a bit stubborn and he would not accept losing a bet (on Kaka), it’s the same for Maicon and (Diego) Milito, who will not go to Madrid.’

But if a move was inevitable? ‘(Inter) have a ruthless competitor called Chelsea. If he were to leave in June, he has a 90 per cent chance of going to Chelsea and not Inter.’

Manchester United Plot £12m Real Madrid Midfielder Raid

Sir Alex Ferguson is planning a January raid to bring in Real Madrid defensive midfielder Lassana Diarra. The French international has stated his intention to leave the Bernabeu at the earliest available opportunity and the Manchester United boss is looking to add more steel to the centre of his midfield and hopes to land the want-away star on a cut price deal.
Earlier this month Diarra spoke out about his situation at Real Madrid
‘I’m at Real Madrid and I have a contract. Currently I am thinking only of the next game, but I don’t know if I will remain here. I previously said I would assess my situation in January.’
Jose Mourinho appears to see Diarra as little more than a bench warmer and the 25 year old has rarely been on the Real Madrid boss’s starting eleven team sheet and after two and a half difficult seasons at the La Liga giants the former Portsmouth, Chelsea and Arsenal man is ready to quit the club.
The good relationship between the two manager’s could help to resolve the long running problems between the two clubs that relate to a number of Man United stars leaving the Premier League side for a move to Madrid and Mourinho is looking to cut his massive squad in order to trim costs.
Some sources believe pint sized battler could be available for around £12m a fee that Ferguson will be happy to pay given the paucity of out and out defensive midfield options he has at the club given the long term injury concerns over Owen Hargreaves.

Decision day tomorrow for Milan-Ronaldinho Gremio waiting confidently

The credits haven't rolled yet but the blockbuster starring Ronaldinho in a red and black shirt is definitely coming to an end. Milan have never been overly active in January but that might change in 2011 as Antonio Cassano's contract will be filed with the Italian Football Federation on the 3rd of January and Ronaldinho will probably be going home and ending his career with Gremio in Brazil. This is the most likely result of tomorrow's meeting between the player's brother and agent, Roberto de Assis, and Milan managing director Adriano Galliani. They will be thrashing out the financial terms between the Brazilian and Milan, as although the club didn't put the player on the market they are willing to accept that he wants to go. This solution seems to be the preferred one for everyone: Massimiliano Allegri won't have the headache of having to fill his bench with big names every Sunday, the club's coffers will have one less very big salary to pay every month and the Brazilian will be able to chase his dream of playing the last World Cup of his career in his home country.

Ronaldinho with Allegri. Reuters

Everyone in Dubai — Antonio Cassano will be setting off tomorrow afternoon with the rest of the team for the Winter training camp in Dubai where, according to the current plan, Ronaldinho is also expected to arrive in the evening on a flight from San Paolo along with Pato, Thiago Silva and Robinho. Whatever happens, his time with Milan is coming to an end and with another daily does of optimism, Gremio president Paulo Odone repeated his belief that the former Ballon d'Or, who spent the holidays at his Porto Alegre home waiting for his brother and agent Roberto de Assis to reach an agreement with Adriano Galliani, will be joining his club. The Rossonero chairman has already had a fantastic bargain signing a star like Antonio Cassano for just over a million euro, and now he just needs to find the best way to rescind the contract of Silvio Berlusconi's golden boy, who failed to win anything in his two and a half years at Milan and only really shone in the first derby with Inter. So Ronaldinho is out, and Antonio Cassano in, and this should be enough although the number of strikers still doesn't really balance, given that Filippo Inzaghi has already finished his season. To get up to five, they need to add Clarence Seedorf to the team of goal scorers which is why Milan is looking for a midfielder. They may sign the 23-year-old French player Kevin Constant, who plays for the Guinea national squad and is currently to Chievo on loan with an option to buy from Chateauroux, a French second division team. Allegri on the other hand, continues to like Andrea Lazzari, a more difficult option however given that Cagliari president Massimo Cellino had no intention of letting him go.

Ronaldinho with Robinho and Coutinho in the National team. Reuters

Odone is optimistic — Meanwhile, from Brazil the news about the Ronaldinho deal continues to be positive. "I am absolutely sure: Ronaldinho wants to come back to Brazil and play for Gremio, not for money but because he wants to make peace with our fans and rejoin the Brazilian national team." Interviewed by Radio Globo Sao PauloGremio president Paulo Odone repeated that he is sure the former Ballon d'Or, currently a Milan player, will be coming to Porto Alegre. "Negotiations with Ronaldinho and his brother Assis are at a good stage" Odone said. "Now all that's missing is the agreement with Milan. We have already agreed his fee and the fact that we will be offering the player a four-year contract. Ronaldinho wants to come back to Brazil, play for the national team and win himself a place in the Brazil World Cup (ed.: 2014). I speak to Assis every day. He was very pleased with our offer, even though Palmeiras and Flamengo were both interested. He will come back to Brazil but not for money (ed.: Palmeiras offered him more): he has a sole purpose in mind, which is to play for Gremio." According to Odone, "it's not just about signing a player, it's a marketing operation that will finance itself." Partners behind the operation include Brazilian company Topper, who will replace Puma as Gremio's technical sponsor. They are counting on the Ronaldinho effect, even if the player has a personal contract with Nike.

I cannot wait to play alongside Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta - Barcelona new boy Ibrahim Afellay

  

Barcelona's new signing Ibrahim Afellay has confessed he is desperate to play alongside Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta once his career at the Nou Camp begins in earnest.

 









The former PSV Eindoven attacker finally joined up with the Blaugrana at the end of last week, passing a medical before being unveiled to the media, and he spoke to Barca TV of his excitement at teaming up with the Ballon d’Or-nominated duo.

“They are the best in the world. I cannot wait to play with them," Afellay said.

"I cannot compare to Iniesta, he has a lot of quality. Every player is different and has their own virtues.

“I wanted to play for Barcelona even before their interest in signing me, because I watched them on television. Every day when I finish training now, I stay on the field a little longer on the field with the aim of improving.

“I’m still young, but I have played many games. I contested the World Cup with the Netherlands, and all this experience will do well for me.”

Afellay becomes Barcelona’s 19th Dutch signing in the history of the club, taking on squad number 20 for the Catalan side

MATCH REPORT: ARSENAL 3 CHELSEA 1

Three goals conceded in a 10-minute spell either side of the half-time interval consigned Chelsea to our fifth league defeat of the season.
Having lost their previous five encounters against us, Arsenal were deserved winners in the evening encounter in north London, Branislav Ivanovic only pulling a goal back after the home side had taken a three-goal lead.
It was the day Frank Lampard returned to the starting line-up and although he got stronger as the game progressed, he understandably found it tough to make a real impact after nearly four months out. There were plenty of his team-mates below par too, Chelsea contesting an uneventful but mostly even first half, only to concede a goal from Alex Song a minute before the break.

Arsenal all but put the game safe by coming out strongly at the start of the second half and with Chelsea making mistakes, scoring goals through Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott
Nicolas Anelka was missing for the match with a knee injury so Salomon Kalou kept his place from the side that started at Tottenham 15 days ago. Didier Drogba returned having begun that match on the bench.
Despite also having two weeks' rest coming into the game, Wenger rotated his players in defence, midfield and attack, Djourou, Fabregas, Walcott and Van Persie coming in.
Much of Chelsea's hopes coming into the game were shouldered by Drogba but this was not his night, although the first foul of the game was on the Ivorian. Kalou then fouled Clichy before he did well to dispossess Nasri five minutes in and launch a counter-attack, but his cross was wayward.
Either side of that moment, Van Persie was twice in dangerous positions in the Chelsea box but was defeated by the offside flag first time and then a difficult bounce the second.
On seven minutes, Drogba had his first sight of the target after a Terry ball found him in running into space but he shot wide. That was to be the best chance for the visitors in the first half.
Both sides hinted at a little rustiness after two weeks without a game. When Terry was caught in possession by Fabregas near halfway he was perhaps a touch fortunate to escape a booking from referee Clattenburg when he interrupted an Arsenal break with a foul.
Chelsea were quickly onto Arsenal players in possession all over the pitch, sometimes at the expense of free-kicks but also winning the ball and generally hurrying the home side's play. We weren't ignoring the long ball possibility to Drogba either, hardly surprising given the history of this fixture over the last five years, but the game took a long time to ignite as the two sides toiled in the middle of the park.

On 20 minutes Van Persie went down under a Malouda challenge in the area. There was contact but the Chelsea man was also playing the ball and he escaped the penalty appeals. As Chelsea cleared our lines, Kalou handled and from the free-kick, Nasri struck the first shot of the game on target but Cech caught it.
An extremely clumsy touch prevented Walcott testing the Chelsea keeper as he used his pace to reach a long pass ahead of Cole, who on 28 minutes became the game's first booking for a foul on Van Persie by the corner flag.
At the other end, an unfortunate deflection off Sagna had prevented Drogba heading Malouda clean through on goal.
Around the half-hour Arsenal enjoyed their best short spell of pressure so far but it came to an end when Van Persie followed through on Mikel and evened up the card count. There was further misjudgement from the Dutchman as he blazed a good chance over.
Kalou was next in the book for catching Clichy with a high challenge on 38 minutes, by which stage Arsenal were beginning to cause Chelsea concern. It took a very good tip over from Cech to keep a Nasri shot out and the keeper also did well in cutting out a Walcott cross.
However the home side were beginning to play passes in and around the Chelsea area and a minute before the break, they capitalised after Ancelotti's side wasted a throw-in.  A return pass from Wilshere to Song wasn't cut out and Song was able to beat Cech from 12 yards.
The midfield was altered at the break, Mikel, injured by the Van Persie challenge, coming off with Ramires introduced. Essien, largely anonymous in the first half, moved deeper.
The half started poorly however with possession given away at kick-off and two corners conceded, Cech just about dealing with them. Then came two goals in the space of two minutes.

First a ball was played up to Van Persie who as he held off two men, was tackled by Essien who only succeeded in giving the ball to Walcott. The Blues were stretched as the England winger found Fabregas to sweep the ball past Cech.
Then the two Arsenal men reversed roles as Malouda was caught in possesion by Walcott who then converted a Fabregas pass with Ivanovic unable to slide across and challenge in time. There were 52 minutes gone, we were 3-0 down and rocking.
Ancelotti responded instantly by bringing Kakuta on for Malouda and although the young Frenchman was not involved, the manager saw his side pull a goal back on 56 minutes. Drogba fired in a free-kick from midway inside the Arsenal half and Ivanovic headed in.

Lampard was booked for catching Song in the centre circle shortly before Bosingwa replaced Ferreira in the second substitution.
Chelsea tried to make a game of it for a spell and a second Blues goal at that point would have tested the Arsenal resolve. Fabregas chose to take a yellow card by pulling back Essien as he stormed forward towards the opposition area.
However danger lurked at the other end and Nasri was wasteful in shooting at Cech after a Kakuta mistake. The youngster did better at the other end by trying his luck from outside the area, but his shot went wide.
Arsenal by this stage weren't forcing the issue but substitute Diaby escaped his marker inside the area with 10 minutes to go, only for Cech to save.
Ramires wasted a good opportunity to pick out a colleague by shooting well off-target and Drogba fired a free-kick a couple of yards over.
In the closing moments Drogba smashed a shot goalwards but it was blocked and Kalou bundled in from a clearly offside position.
There will be question marks over Chelsea's defending after this display, but there was equally a lack of guile and ideas in attack.
No wins in six league games means we trail the leaders by six points having played a game more.
Chelsea (4-3-3): Cech, Ferreira (Bosingwa 61), Ivanovic, Terry (c) Cole; Essien, Mikel (Ramires h-t), Lampard; Kalou, Drogba, Malouda (Kakuta 55).
Unused subs Turnbull, Bruma, van Aanholt, McEachran.
Scorer Ivanovic 56.
Booked Cole 28, Kalou 38, Lampard 58.
Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Fabianski; Sagna, Djourou, Koscielny, Clichy; Song, Wilshere; Walcott (Diaby 73), Fábregas (Rosicky 87), Nasri; van Persie (Chamakh 76).
Unused subs: Szczęsny, Squillaci, Arshavin, Bendtner.
Scorers Song 44, Fabregas 50, Walcott 52.
Booked van Persie 32, Fabregas 67.
Referee Mark Clattenburg.
Crowd 60,112.
Shots on Chelsea 1 Arsenal 5
Corners Chelsea 6 Arsenal 4
Fouls Chelsea 16 Arsenal 10
Offsides Chelsea 4 Arsenal 4

Lionel Messi asked Santa for a 2011 Copa America win

With Christmas over and gifts unwrapped (and returned), Lionel Messi has revealed what he asked for this year. . 


















 

“In 2011, I want to win my first title with the national team, so I asked Father Christmas for the Copa America as a gift,” the 23-year-old said while in his hometown of Rosario, according to the AFP news agency.

“I will do everything to win. It's the gift that I want to give all Argentines. People in my country deserve a great year.”

I'd say he's only playing along with the tales of the season by telling the AFP that he asked Father Christmas for that Copa America trophy, but look at the childlike wonder on his face. That's the face of a man who knows the value of asking a fat guy in a red suit for what he wants most. It's also the face of a man who scores goals even when he doesn't particularly want to (for Barcelona, at least)

Fulham vs West Ham

Fulham are only one place above the drop zone and their form has been getting increasingly poor since the start of the season, granted they are suffering from some key injuries which could be blamed for the issues, however excuses are not going to get them anywhere.
Fortunately Dembele is back in full training although he is unlikely to actually be fit enough to play in this particular game. Still, seeing some players return to the Fulham side is certainly good news for the home team. Fulham have only won one of their last 14 games in the league which speaks volumes for their recent performances, however with the Hammers as their opposition they may actually have a chance at winning this match up.

The Hammers' season is nothing short of terrible at the moment, however their injury concerns are nothing short of cataclysmic. In terms of a positive note West Ham fans have the return of Rob Green to look forward to after he has recovered from a minor hip operation and there is the possibility that Berhami may be able to play despite being written off earlier this week.

Blackburn vs Stoke

Blackburn should see the return of Olsson, who has been given the all clear and should be fine to play against Stoke. Blackburn should in theory have the edge simply due to the fact that the away side’s record on pitches other than their own is not one to be all too proud of, winning only two of them so far this season.

However, Blackburn will have to worry about the fitness of their new captain Chris Samba, who picked up a minor knock midweek and will be given a last minute fitness test to see if he will be available to play.

Stoke’s only injury is Sidibe, which is some cracking news seeing as having a practically fully fit side may just be what they need to romp to victory against their opposition. Traditionally, Stoke have not done to well on Boxing Day, losing both of their last two fixtures since they have been in the Premiership. In their last outing they did take a bit of a thrashing from Blackpool but in terms of performance however this was their first loss in seven games.

Stoke have been a little bit unlucky this season, hitting the woodwork a total of ten times which is more than any other Premiership club.

Blackpool vs Liverpool

Blackpool are going to be without their captain Charlie Adam as he serves a single match ban. However, he is simply one of many players that Blackpool will have to do without if they are going to manage to win this match.

There is every chance that this match will not even be played seeing as there are worries that the pitch will be frozen, Blackpool’s ground will be given a midday check to see whether the match will go on or not. The odd thing about Blackpool is that they are dangerous from all areas of the pitch and the leaders in scoring from outside of the box this season.

Liverpool will be welcoming back Steven Gerrard. The Reds have been pretty poor away from home lately, only taking five points from away matches since the start of the season, which doesn’t bode well for their chances of taking three points from this match, assuming that it is even played and is not called off due to the bad weather conditions.

Bolton vs West Brom

Mark Davies will be available for selection again after serving his one match ban and Lee is likely to play his last match for Bolton before heading off to Qatar to play in the Asian Cup.

The Trotters' main worries lie in their inability to keep a clean sheet, the side have only kept one since the start of the season and have never really looked likely to keep any more. They have been pretty impressive in the dying minutes of the game scoring ten goals in the last 15 minutes of matches which is more than any other Premiership club.

The Baggies away form is not indicative of a win for Brom. They’ve managed to win two away matches this season which, whilst not being the worst in the Premiership, is not something which is going to make them favourites for this match-up. West Brom are actually just as bad at the back as Bolton, having only kept one clean sheet all season, so if nothing else we should be expecting to see some goals in this match up.

Everton vs Birmingham

Arteta should be returning to the side after completing his suspension, although Anichebe will be absent following his sending off against Man City. The home side game off the back of a good victory against a team which should be contending for the Premiership title this season. The win will have come as a much needed moral boost considering the side have been wallowing at the bottom end of the table for most of the season.

Jagielka is doubtful ahead of the match with a thigh complaint. This match could be very hard to call depending on if Everton play the same way they did against Man City or go back to the poor performances which they have given in recent weeks.

Hleb could make an appearance for Birmingham after almost a month of being absent. When it comes to Boxing Day games, Birmingham tend to do pretty well. The Blues have not actually won a match away from home this season and with Everton starting to look like more of a convincing side again, the odds that match will end in a draw are probably more favourable.

Man Utd vs Sunderland

Vidic and Anderson should be available after having recovered from viruses, which had them tipped as being unfit to play. There is also the possibility that Michael Owen may be given a game after having recovered from a hamstring problem which kept him sidelined since October.

United are hoping to gain their fourth consecutive league win which would keep them at the top of the table. Ji-Sung Park is the man to watch seeing as he has scored four times in the last four matches, and let’s face it, Sunderland are a little bit outmatched in this match, which should give him even more opportunity to grab a goal.

Sunderland are missing a lot of players from this match: they’re missing Cattermole through suspension, a string of players through injury and then Welbeck is ineligible to play against his parent club to boot.

Generally speaking, this match does not tend to go well, since Steve Bruce has managed Sunderland his side has never beaten United. In the last 15 meetings the have lost 11 times and drawn four of the matches. This match is not likely to go Sunderland’s way and if it does it will certainly come as something of a shock to most football fans.

Newcastle vs Man City

Newcastle may be hoping that, after seeing the way that City played against Everton, they could get an easy ride through this match. The fact is that City haven’t been playing at their best for some time now and are on very poor form for a team which intends to contend for the title this season.

Newcastle have the advantage of Coloccini and Williamson returning to the side after serving their three match bans, reinstating the more experienced centre backs may be the best way to make sure that there are now slip ups which could cost them the match. Harper is also likely to return to the side after having overcome a shoulder injury which had caused some concern.

Man City were made to look a little foolish by Everton last week and things turned a little bit sour towards the end of the game resulting in a sending off for each side which means that City will be without Toure, although De Jong will be returning after serving his own ban.

In theory, Man City have the best away record in the Premiership, equalling the same amount as points taken away from home as Arsenal, but with a better goal difference.

Wolves vs Wigan

These two sides are sitting rather uncomfortably in the relegation zone and neither are showing a great deal of signs which would indicate that they are going to climb out of it any time soon. The fact is that the two sides have not been playing particularly well against anybody.

On the bright side for Wolves, they will actually see a few players returning to the side: Jarvis, Berra and Jones should be able to play, which will be quite handy considering the fact that a total of 11 players out as it stands. Wolves have lost five of their last seven matches in the Premiership, seeing as this is McCarthy’s 500th match in as a manager it would be a bit of a sour occasion if they lose at home.

Wigan will be lucky to even pick up a single point from this match with their away record as poor as it is, the Lactics have only managed one win from the last ten matches that they have played in the league. If the away side loses then it will be their 100th Premier league defeat, and in all honesty it probably will be, seeing as there almost certainly is no chance of them actually winning.

Aston Villa vs Tottenham

Despite the fact that Villa are only a few points lower than Tottenham there is quite a lot of places which separate them. There has also been something of a gulf in the two sides performances.

Villa are probably going to be without their captain Young, on the other hand Petrov and Delph could be involved, having recently been given a full bill of health the problem of course being that it is debatable as to whether or not they are fully fit. In the last 11 matches Villa have only managed to win two games leaving them in a rather poor position in the league.

Tottenham should be hoping to take some points from this match, even if they don’t manage to win a draw must be on the cards. Spurs could see the return of Jenas, Kaboul and Van De Vaart, who are going to be fit and should be able to play.

Tottenham have only managed to win one game outside of London and that was against Stoke, who didn’t put up much of a challenge. Tottenham have managed to lose eight points from winning positions this season, making them the worst team in the Premiership for fumbling potential victories.

 

Arsenal vs Chelsea (will be played on Monday, Dec. 27, 2010)

Arsenal are actually quite lucky that their match against Stoke was cancelled as it has given Fabianski and Diaby the time that they needed to return to full fitness, leaving Arsenal with only four injured players. Considering how bad their injury list was just a few weeks ago this is a great step in the right direction for the club.

This is of course going to be a fiercely competitive match as are all meetings between these two sides, not simply because of the London rivalry, but the fact that there isn’t much separating the two sides in terms of points and the top of the table is set to become very closely competed towards the end of the season.

Chelsea are simply not quite achieving what they should be, six points from seven games is nothing short of abysmal for a side which is supposed to be amongst the best in Europe and were supposed to be the title favourites at the start of the season.

On the other hand, Chelsea have only lost two of their last 18 matches against Arsenal in all competitions. This match could go either way, there is obviously Chelsea’s poor form to consider however these sorts of games have a habit of being surprising.

Ronaldinho To Remain At Milan Until End Of Season - Report

Milan want to keep Ronaldinho at San Siro until the end of the season despite the Brazilian playmaker having agreed personal terms with boyhood club Gremio and the imminent arrival of Antonio Cassano.

The 30-year-old can move to Gremio in January only if Milan sanction the move and it's been suggested in the Italian press on Friday that the Rossoneri are ready to keep the former World Player of the Year on board until June when his contract runs out.

It's been further reported that talks between Milan officials and Ronaldinho's representatives have begun in order to reach a solution and facilitate a move back to Brazil

FC Barcelona - Benvingut Afellay

Chelsea can't cope! Skipper John Terry admits Blues don't have squad to handle injury crisis

Concern: Terry is hoping for better luck at Chelsea

John Terry admits that Chelsea are paying for cutting back their squad and relying on young players to take the strain.
While many were predicting the Blues would waltz to a second straight title back in October, five League games without a win means they are three points behind Manchester United and have played a game more.
Chelsea have struggled without key players such as Terry, Frank Lampard and Michael Essien - and the Stamford Bridge captain is praying for no more setbacks over the busy festive programme.
'We've missed some key players at key times and it is a case of keeping everyone fit now over the Christmas period, where we have two games in three days,' said Terry.
'In the past, we had a big squad and could rotate and put other players in. We don't have that now, we have quite a young squad and it's a time for everyone to stay together like we always will.
'Once we've turned that corner, we can move on from there and wait for other teams to slip up, which they will do.'

Scuppered again: Didier Drogba tussles with Wilson Palacios (right) during Chelsea and Spurs' draw

Comeback trail: Fit-again Lampard is brought on against Tottenham

The postponement of Sunday's clash against Manchester United arguably came as a relief and gave players extra time to get fit ahead of going to Arsenal on Monday and hosting Bolton two days later.
Carlo Ancelotti now has most of his players back - apart from Alex, Yury Zhirkov and Yossi Benayoun - but appears to have paid the price for letting go of experience such as Michael Ballack, Deco and Juliano Belletti in the summer.
Terry said: 'We have a tough game away at Arsenal, which could prove to be very difficult, but we're just one game from moving on.
'Recent form isn't something you can pinpoint, but we know it hasn't been good enough and we'll improve.
'Teams go through bad spells throughout the season. Arsenal have dropped points at home, and we've done the same, games we should have won.
'Sunderland at home was a poor performance but I don't think, overall, too much has gone wrong; we've had some tough games.
'We dropped points against Everton last year, we lost at Tottenham last year and still came out champions.'

Afellay reveals Barca nerves

Barcelona's new arrival Ibrahim Afellay admitted to a few nerves at joining such an illustrious club after jetting into Spain to sign a four-and-a-half year contract.

GettyImagesIbrahim Afellay: Barca's first winter signing

 
 The Dutchman arrived at the Camp Nou on Thursday to complete his move from PSV Eindhoven and was immediately struck by the size of the step up he is about to take.
 "It's very special to be here, I'm very happy,'' he said. "I'm a little nervous, but that's okay. I'm at the best club in the world, an awesome club,







 and I'm enjoying the moment.''
The 24-year-old, who came through the ranks at PSV, added: "I still have not fully realised everything I have got here. I just arrived, it's my first day in town, and I think it may take a while to sink in.
"This is a big dream. All players want to play for Barca. Any player will tell the world he wants to play here, where we practice the best football in the world.''
Barca have paid a fee reported to be around €3 million for Afellay, who is expected to wear the No.20 shirt, in a deal that was agreed back in November.

City bid confirmed for £7m Espanyol stopper

Big spending Manchester City have made a £7m move for Espanyol defender Victor Ruiz.

Ruiz, 21, is on City’s hit-list for January and Espanyol have confirmed they have had an approach for the Spanish under-21 centre half.

City are set to offer Ruiz a four-year deal after scouting him in recent weeks and a source at Espanyol said: “We may be close to an agreement.”

Bayern München are lining up a move for Arsenal striker Robin van Persie , according to German reports.

The 4-4-2 Web site says Bayern boss Louis Van Gaal is keen on bringing his compatriot to the Bavarian outfit even though he would be cup tied for the Champions League.

The 27-year-old joined Arsenal from Feyenoord Rotterdam in 2004, and although his tremendous talent was obvious early on, his Gunners career has been blighted somewhat by injury.

The Dutchman returned to action in November after a two-month layoff with an injury to his left heel.











Although van Persie has only played eight games this term, he has still managed a goal and three assists.

He is contracted to Arsenal until 2014, and he is valued at €20M-30M.

10 Biggest Transfers of 2010

David Ramos/Getty Images

It’s almost the end of the year 2010, football-wise we were treated to some of the most thrilling domestic seasons across Europe’s leagues. In England for instance, the race for the Premier League crown wasn’t decided before the last match-day, with Chelsea clinching the title (and domestic double) ahead of rivals Manchester United.












While Chelsea and Manchester United fought it out until the very last day, La Liga behemoths FC Barcelona and Real Madrid both accumulated the biggest points-haul in Primera Division history. But to quote my favorite line from Highlander “there can only be one”, in this case, FC Barcelona.
As a casualty of war, or better yet, Real Madrid’s supremo Florentino Perez’s temper, Manuel Pellegrini received the sack. El Ingeniero was replaced by none other than Jose Mourinho who masterminded Inter Milan’s treble. Usually football fans are treated to one treble within the span of two decades; it’s unheard of to witness back-to-back treble seasons with two different clubs.
Only six sides have ever accomplished the treble and one player was part of two of them, Samuel Eto’o.
In the summer of 2009, the indomitable lion – deemed surplus to requirements by Josep Guardiola – was involved in one of the biggest transfer operations of all-time. In a trade which saw him leave the shores of Catalunya for the Italian peninsula brought the volatile temper of Zlatan Ibrahimovic to the city of Barcelona.
Which brings us to the ten biggest transfers of 2010 since the latter has been, once again, involved in a high-profile transfer.

10. Aleksandar Kolarov (22,700,000 Euro) Lazio Rome to Manchester City

Alex Livesey/Getty Images

He hasn’t even played 10 games for his new employer, what else is there to say

9. Javier Mascherano (20,000,000 Euro) Liverpool FC to FC Barcelona

Jasper Juinen/Getty Images

After much drama and speculation, El Jefito was finally granted his wish to join the ranks of long-time suitors FC Barcelona. The Argentine captain even accepted a pay-cut in order to leave Liverpool FC, so there goes the greed-theory. But while Mascherano is undoubtedly world-class he hasn’t quite become an automatic starter for Pep Guardiola’s side.
The reason why he spends an awful lot of time on the Barca bench, Sergio Busquets. Even though the much-marginalized son of former Blaugrana goal-keeper Carles Busquets has been subject to (sometimes) unwarranted criticism, he has come to his own in this season with consistent world-class performances.
Because of Busquets imperious form and the inability of Mascherano to enforce himself in the starting eleven he is ranked at no. 9.

8. Mario Balotelli (30,000,000 Euro) Inter Milan to Manchester City

Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

His talent is beyond reproach, he is arguably the best striker in his age group (along with AC Milan’s Pato and FC Barcelona’s Bojan) but his temper prevents him from becoming truly exceptional. Balotelli is daring, arrogant and most importantly fearless when it comes to opponents. Still, his unbalanced personality makes it hard for him to work on the weaker aspects of his game, heck it even makes it hard for his own teammates to like him.
The transfer value splashed out for him by Manchester City is by no means a cheap one but you’ll be hard-pressed to find a brighter prospect than him. In hindsight it could be one of the shrewdest investments ever made by Sheik Mansour.

7. Ramires (22,000,000 Euro) S.L. Benfica to Chelsea FC

Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

I am beginning to wonder if footballers are this centuries “slaves”. The money isn’t staying in the game, instead it goes to shrewd businessmen who claim ownership over a player. It happened to Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano, now the very same people who “represented” the Argentinean pair sold Ramires to Chelsea FC.
Although the Brazilian has racked up some 18-appearances for the Blues he has yet to justify he relatively high price-tag, especially in the light of Roman Abramovitch reluctance to provide sufficient transfer funds. Long forgotten are the days when the Billionaire bought and every player that was shortlisted for the Ballon d’Or (or had one spectacular season).
For now, Ramires is a disappointed but then again there are worse signings on this list than the Brazilian.

6. James Milner (30,000,000 Euro) Aston Villa to Manchester City

Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images

Another of the Citeh-boys (there are a couple of them on this list) was never worth 30,000,000 Euro to begin with. There was no one else in the market for Milner and he is hardly Ballon d’Or material. In a league stacked with exceptional wingers midfielders he hardly stands out.
Comparing Nani to Milner is like comparing a Ferrari to a Daihatsu. Nani is everything James Milner is not, fleet-footed, creative and trickery when he takes on defenders. While the Englishman’s marquee attribute is his pace.
Take Milner and compare him to a midfielder like Rafael Van der Vaart and you’ll see a massive difference in the ability to dictate a play. I just can’t shrug off the feeling that Manchester City have been hustled once again. Joleon Lescott anyone?

5. Yoann Goucuff (22,000,000 Euro) Girondais Bordeaux to Olympique Lyon

Michael Steele/Getty Images

What is wrong with Europe’s top sides? Gourcuff is one of the best midfielders of his generation yet only Lyon made an effort for his signature. Liverpool for instance are a side that could’ve benefited from signing a creative midfielder in the mould of Gourcuff. Manchester United, most definitely. Chelsea, perhaps. The list goes on.
2 goals and 4 assists in 20 appearances doesn’t exactly scream world-beater, but then again Lyon aren’t the domestic juggernaut they used to be. At any rate, Gourcuff remains one the brightest talents in his position

4. Yaya Toure (30,000,000 Euro) FC Barcelona to Manchester City

Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Arguably the City-signing everyone expected to have something of an immediate impact. Judging by his physical as well as technical attributes Toure is by design the perfect player for the fast-paced Premier League. Not only is he very combative, he also is quite comfortable with the ball at his feet. Though he spent his formative years all over Europe, his stay in Barcelona made him a more well-rounded player.
Though it took him a little longer than expected, he is beginning to show glimpses of his undoubted quality. Expect Yaya Toure to finish closer to the top once the season ends.

3. Angel Di Maria (25,000,000 Euro, Excluding Add-Ons) S.L. Benfica to Real Madr

Angel Martinez/Getty Images

I’m not a fan of Florentino Perez nor will I ever be. But with the capture of di Maria he addressed one of his fatal errors since regaining control of the white house, the need for wingers. Replacing Arjen Robben, who on his day is absolutely unplayable, is not an easy undertaking. But so far di Maria has done an impeccable job providing width and creative spark down the wings, something Pellegrini’s team lacked in the previous season.

2. David Silva (28,750,000 Euro) Valencia CF to Manchester City

Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

The player most pundits expected to fail and become yet another Manchester City flop. Silva has steadily become the major outlet for all positive aspects of the Citzens game. It was too easy to dismiss Silva’s chances at success in the physically demanding EPL; he is too short, too lightweight in short: too harmless to impose himself on the English league.
But while the likes of Adam Johnson and James Milner rotate in and out of the starting eleven, the diminutive Spanish playmaker has solidified his spot in Mancini’s side.
It speaks volumes of his determination and drive that he finishes ahead of all other City-signings when (almost) everybody expected him to become a flop.

1. David Villa (40,000,000 Euro) Valencia CF to FC Barcelona

David Ramos/Getty Images

Amidst a global recession and a financial crisis of their own, Barca decided to splash 40,000,000 big ones on the acquisition of David Villa.
El Guaje is not exactly what you would call very marketable, which nowadays is something of a requirement for big-money transfers, hence the rejection from Florentino Perez. But, for better or worse, David Villa unlike other players comes with a guarantee. Villa guarantees goals, en masse.
While he didn’t take that long to adapt to the Blaugrana’s slick passing game, he did need a prolonged time to get comfortable in front of the goal.
But now El Guaje is firing on all cylinders. He and his new strike-partners Pedro and Messi have accumulated in excess of 50-goals already at the halfway-mark. With Villa in the side the Blaugrana have ruthlessly exploited the weaknesses of opposing sides. Among the casualties one-time suitor Real Madrid.
If you believe the press reports, Real Madrid are actively monitoring the transfer-market for a center-forward since Karim Benzema has been an utterly disappointment. It’s quite ironic that Perez opted for the Frenchman when he could’ve bought Villa and now looks to replace the former Lyon youth-product. Well, we all know that Perez isn’t exactly an expert when it comes to transfers, am I right Makelele?

FC Barcelona: Team of the Decade

David Ramos/Getty Images

Despite a shaky start, the first decade of the noughties was a very successful decade for Barcelona. They won four Spanish Leagues, two Champions Leagues and, in 2009, they become the first club in history to win the sextuple.
Many great players wore the blaugrana shirt in the past decade, which made it really difficult to pick the lineup of the decade. As it should be expected, the majority of the players belong to the 2008-09









dream team that won the sextuple.
Without further ado, here's Barcelona's team of the decade (4-3-3 formation):

Goalkeeper: Victor Valdés

Jasper Juinen/Getty Images

A no-brainer. Victor Valdés was a key player in every trophy Barcelona won in the past decade. This great goalkeeper is underrated by many, but he's definitely the unsung hero of FC Barcelona, and is one of the top goalkeepers in the world.

Left-Back: Giovanni Van Bronckhorst

Bagu Blanco/Getty Images

The left-back position has always been a weakness in Barcelona, but Gio was clearly the best in the past decade.
He is by no means a brilliant player, but he was always reliable. Besides, he was the only player who participated in all Champions League matches in 2005-06, having played a vital role in Barcelona's conquest of Europe.

Centre-Back: Carles Puyol

Denis Doyle/Getty Images

A Barcelona legend and, after this year's World Cup, a football legend.
The Barcelona captain is a symbol of everything Barcelona stand for as a club. His commitment is an example to every youth player coming through the ranks. He might not be the most skilled defender on the planet, but he makes up for that with his intensity and ruggedness.
Puyol is undoubtedly the heart of Barcelona and he had to be included here

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David Ramos/Getty Images

Despite a shaky start, the first decade of the noughties was a very successful decade for Barcelona. They won four Spanish Leagues, two Champions Leagues and, in 2009, they become the first club in history to win the sextuple.
Many great players wore the blaugrana shirt in the past decade, which made it really difficult to pick the lineup of the decade. As it should be expected, the majority of the players belong to the 2008-09 dream team that won the sextuple.
Without further ado, here's Barcelona's team of the decade (4-3-3 formation):

Goalkeeper: Victor Valdés

Jasper Juinen/Getty Images

A no-brainer. Victor Valdés was a key player in every trophy Barcelona won in the past decade. This great goalkeeper is underrated by many, but he's definitely the unsung hero of FC Barcelona, and is one of the top goalkeepers in the world.

Left-Back: Giovanni Van Bronckhorst

Bagu Blanco/Getty Images

The left-back position has always been a weakness in Barcelona, but Gio was clearly the best in the past decade.
He is by no means a brilliant player, but he was always reliable. Besides, he was the only player who participated in all Champions League matches in 2005-06, having played a vital role in Barcelona's conquest of Europe.

Centre-Back: Carles Puyol

Denis Doyle/Getty Images

A Barcelona legend and, after this year's World Cup, a football legend.
The Barcelona captain is a symbol of everything Barcelona stand for as a club. His commitment is an example to every youth player coming through the ranks. He might not be the most skilled defender on the planet, but he makes up for that with his intensity and ruggedness.
Puyol is undoubtedly the heart of Barcelona and he had to be included here.

Centre-Back: Gerard Piqué

Jasper Juinen/Getty Images

Another fine La Masia product. Gerard Piqué makes a fantastic duo with Puyol (both in Barcelona and in Spain), and he has everything it takes to become the best centre-back in the world.
In fact, many tap him to be the best defender since Beckenbauer, including the German legend himself. The similarities between the two are apparent. Some of his fans call him "Piquenbauer."
Piqué will certainly be a Barcelona legend and, once Puyol retires, the armband will probably be his.

Right-Back: Daniel Alves

Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images

Arguably the best signing of recent years. Daniel Alves is probably the best fullback in the world right now. He provides defensive safety, he's a formidable attacking threat, and he is dangerous from free-kicks. He basically has the full package.
Signing Alves in the summer of 2008 was a decisive move; Alves played a major role in Barcelona's sextuple-winning 2009 year.

Centre Midfielder: Xavi Hernandez

Jasper Juinen/Getty Images

The leader on the pitch. Xavi is the player who makes everything work.
Xavi is a football legend. Many in Spain consider him the best Spanish player ever, since he was the one who finally led their nation to international glory after decades of failure.
Xavi's vision, passing accuracy, and ability to provide passing lines are key to the tiki-taka style, and make him the most important player in both Barcelona and Spain. He's the one making the likes of Messi and David Villa shine so bright.

Centre Midfielder: Andrés Iniesta

Jasper Juinen/Getty Images

Xavi's partner in crime. Xavi and Iniesta form the best midfield duo in the world, and their partnership is absolutely decisive for Barcelona and Spain.
However, Iniesta also has some amazing skills of his own. He's also a great passer, he has amazing technique and close control, and he's one of the best dribblers in the game. He's pure class. Besides, even though he doesn't score a lot, he has a tendency to score when it matters the most: The goal against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and the goal against Holland in the World Cup final made him a legend of the game, and will forever define his career.

Attacking Midfielder: Rivaldo

Gary M. Prior/Getty Images

In the beginning of the decade, Rivaldo had to carry Barcelona almost single-handedly. He did so brilliantly and delighted the Camp Nou with several one-man shows. His most famous individual performance was against Valencia in 2000-01; it was the last match of the season and Barcelona needed to beat Valencia to secure a Champions League spot. Rivaldo stepped up and scored an incredible hat trick, with three fabulous goals; his third goal is certainly one of the best goals ever as far as skill and importance are concerned.
He left Barcelona in 2002, but he is still missed by the blaugrana fans.
In the 2002 World Cup, he, along with Ronaldo, led Brazil to the title. Many, including Luis Filipe Scolari, believed that Rivaldo should have been given the best player award (it went to Oliver Kahn).

Left Winger: Ronaldinho

Jasper Juinen/Getty Images

After Rivaldo left Barcelona, Ronaldinho was signed and he quickly became the leader of the team. Surrounded with much more talent than his countryman, Ronaldinho managed to lead Barcelona to two incredibly successful seasons.
His performances from 2004 to 2006 were absolutely inspiring. During this time, he was by far the best player in the world.
He lost his magic after 2006, but still Barcelona owe him a great deal.

Right Winger: Lionel Messi

Jasper Juinen/Getty Images

A pretty obvious choice. Messi is the most talented player of this generation and, at only 23, he's already considered by many pundits as one of the best players of all time.
He combines otherworldly scoring skills with a fantastic playmaking ability, and he's practically unstoppable.
He has already won every individual and collective trophy in football (except the World Cup), and he's on his way to become one of the best, if not the best, football player of all time.

Centre Forward: Samuel Eto'o

Denis Doyle/Getty Images

An underrated legend, unfortunately. Along with Ronaldinho, Eto'o brought glory back to Camp Nou in the middle of the decade.
In 2009, he was a key player in Guardiola's dream team, scoring 36 goals overall and linking up perfectly with Lionel Messi and Thierry Henry.
In one of the worst deals in Barcelona's history, he was traded with Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the summer of 2009, and Barcelona haven't been the same team ever since. It's safe to assume that every Barcelona fan misses Samuel.
For all he did, Eto'o is a Barcelona legend